Ravenwoods Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 This car has an automatic transmission and 216,000 miles on the odometer. Just recently I started getting a strong smell of burning oil. Today I popped open the hood and smoke was coming up from the rear of the engine near the fire wall. Does this kind of leak require one to pull the engine? I'm starting to look around for a younger Subaru. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 Depends on where it's coming from. Camshaft plug (distributor block-off plate)? No. Separator plate or rear main seal? Yes. Honestly those engines are ultra simple. I can have the engine out with a cherry picker in about 45 minutes. Wouldn't look for a younger Subaru unless it's rusted out. Those were about the peak of everything that was good about the brand. I'll stretch that maybe up through about 2004 but the EJ22 in that '95 was a better engine. And the 4EAT auto is really a tough unit if at all cared for. GD 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwoods Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 So if it is a rear main seal that needs replacing, is that a major undertaking? I've never pulled an engine. But I have done timing belts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 Most likely the rear separator plate. It's easy once you have the engine out. Unless there is clear damage to the rear main, leave it alone. The separator plate, clean reseal and locktite the screws. You should have the aluminum separator plate. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 You’ve been around here long enough to know you’ll have plenty of help. If you have a comfortable place to work and some time you’ll manage this easier than you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartless Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 (edited) Keep the car and fix the leak 95 is a great year - i loved the one i had engine is pretty simple to pull, just make sure you unplug the wiring so nothing gets damaged - if you have successfully done timing, you can do this as lmdew said, a large leak like that is most likely the oil separator plate on the back of the block - common leak zone I would NOT touch the rear main seal unless it was obviously damaged - rear main is very rarely the problem, and dont be fooled by oil spread all over back there... the separator plate is the most common leak point.. oil comes out of there, gets on the flywheel and gets splattered all over the place. i cant remember - does 95 have a plastic or metal plate? if it is plastic, you will want to replace it with a metal one, which will also mean replacing the screws as they will be a different length. Rock Auto has them, some including the screws.. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/subaru,1995,legacy,2.2l+h4,1269806,engine,oil+separator+cover,18583 that and some anaerobic sealer and you will be good to go. Edited October 24, 2023 by heartless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwoods Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 Sounds great. I'll plan on pulling the engine. But I still plan on getting a newer Subaru as well. Our 98 Forester is rusting out at the right back fender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 Verify where it's leaking first. Gravity, air, and design persuade many leaks to end up in the same lower rear area. Rear can be multiple things. Is there fluid every where like its pouring out, or just a little bit dripping? Drivers or passengers side? Very common oil leak sources that can end up smoking around the back of the engine and leak a lot: Check the valve covers - they can leak a lot at the lower rear corners. Check under the timing belt cover and make sure it's not dripping there and blowing back on the exhaust while driving. Check the plug/cap on the back of the engine - they can leak as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartless Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 yeah the covers are a major source of leaks - new seals on those and call it good - they arent terribly expensive. i generally do oil seals up front when doing timing - so i dont usually have an issue there oil pressure sending unit on top (kinda below & slightly left of the alt as looking at it from the front) is another one that can leak like a sieve when they go bad, but it would be pretty obvious if you look on top for oil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwoods Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share Posted October 25, 2023 The oil leak is so bad I had to add 1-2 quarts today after only 30-40 miles. Yesterday I put in at least 2 quarts as well. I bought another car for my wife today and now I'll drive the 98 Forester with 325,000 miles. I'll park the oil gusher until Spring or Summer before I investigate the oil leak. I'm guessing I'll have to pull the engine out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 25, 2023 Share Posted October 25, 2023 Probably a plastic separator plate. One of the black ones. Wasn't till about 97 they switched back to metal. GD 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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